Get ready to bask in the sun this weekend because temperatures are cranking up in Greece, kicking off the year’s first beach-weather. But don’t wait too long to dive in—come Monday, the warmth takes a backseat as temperatures slide back to normal.
Summer-Like Weather Persists
Meteorologists report that Saturday’s weather will resemble summer rather than spring. On Friday, a total of 82 weather stations from the National Observatory of Athens’ meteo network recorded temperatures exceeding 25°C—an unusual occurrence for this time of year.
The highest recorded temperature was 28.7°C in Livadeia, while the national average maximum temperature was 7.4°C above normal levels for this season (based on the 2010-2019 average).
Temperatures Continue to Rise
According to available forecasts, atmospheric circulation over Europe is favoring the transport of warm air masses from Africa towards the Balkans and Greece. This will lead to significantly high temperatures and a continued influx of African dust.
Winds will blow from the south-southeast at 4 to 6 Beaufort, increasing to 6-7 in the Ionian Sea, with local gusts reaching 8 Beaufort until early afternoon.
Temperatures will rise across the country, reaching 25-26°C in most areas and climbing to 28-30°C in northern Crete.
Slight Drop on Sunday
On Sunday, the National Meteorological Service forecasts scattered clouds, denser in northwestern regions and Macedonia, where brief local showers may occur in the afternoon.
Winds will continue from southern directions at 4-6 Beaufort, reaching 7-8 Beaufort in the Aegean. By midday, winds will shift from the west-northwest at 4-6 Beaufort.
Despite a slight drop in temperatures in western and northern Greece, they will remain unseasonably high. The north will see 21-23°C, the rest of the country 25-26°C, and northern Crete 28-30°C.
Weather Shift Next Week
However, significant changes are expected next week. From Monday, temperatures will drop sharply, and strong northern winds will prevail.
Meteorological models predict colder conditions, rain, snow, and winds reaching up to 8 Beaufort. Temperatures are expected to fall by 3-5°C.
